Proclaimer Blog
Perseverance of the servants
Ministers of the gospel sometimes get confused. They assume that perseverance of the saints is the same as perseverance of the servants. In a week when another high profile pastor has been removed from office (not for sexual sin, this time, but self-promotion at the expense of others) we must not fall into the sin of thinking we are invincible.
My assurance as a saint is precious to me. Indeed, it is my only hope; I’m fully aware of that. The fact that God keeps me is a humbling whenever I’m tempted to think I’m doing well and an encouragement when I feel weak. For the record, such assurance should never be presumed upon. It does not absolve me from working out my salvation with fear and trembling.
God promises me no such assurance in ministry. I cannot – in other words – assume that just because he has called me into ministry he will therefore keep me in ministry. Indeed, whilst my salvation is based on my union with Christ (an unassailable fact) my ministry is more dependent on my communion with him (not, I hope you realise, the same thing). Paul is clear with his young protégé Timothy. It is in pursuing this communion that our ministry will be effective in our own lives and in the lives of others.
All of which is to say that we must not, MUST NOT, presume on the kindness of God in preserving our ministry. Presumption is a seldom mentioned sin, but sin it is. And we must fight it. That’s why we think this year’s EMA is one of the most important we’ve planned. It is, in the grace and goodness, our life’s work to persevere in ministry. Book now, if you can join us.